Amazing story of how Ford EcoSport was designed

Kaoud discusses automobile design in the context of the Ford EcoSport, launched last June, and arguably one of the most appealing among uniquely designed cars to have been launched in the past few years.

Amazing story of how Ford EcoSport was designed

With such game-changing looks - high stance, short monocoque body, intrepid grille reminiscent of Ford pick-ups and the gentle slopes - the EcoSport has yet managed to remain true to its promise of being affordable.

Kaoud says, “Our cars have to have a premium look, yet be affordable. Based on a number of studies, we believe this is one very important factor in the Ford DNA.”

Amazing story of how Ford EcoSport was designed

The EcoSport’s appearance is quite distinct from others in the company’s stable, perhaps cocking a snook at another school of design thought that says car manufacturers should opt for similarity, at least in the looks, among the family vehicles.

While many say that the compact SUV has a personality of its own, Kaoud differs and says, “Take the front trapezoidal grille. It is actually similar to those of most of Ford cars across the world. This helps people identify a car as having come from our company.”

Amazing story of how Ford EcoSport was designed

“An innovative silhouette is also about proportions like the amount of glass to sheet metal,” Kaoud explains.

The use of curved glass along with the C pillar, for instance, explains why the EcoSport looks fresh and the interiors feel spacious.

Ford carried out three market surveys at different designing stages. “Early on we showed customer 5-6 images and we got their feedback. We incorporated many of their suggestions - like what the design should look like among a station wagon, traditional SUV or a crossover,” says the designer.

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Image: One of the winners of Ford 2022 EcoSport Design Contest.Photographs: Courtesy, Ford

Amazing story of how Ford EcoSport was designed

The EcoSport underlines the wisdom of ensuring that auto designers get the aerodynamics right. “The aerodynamics are very important because they equate to fuel efficiency,” says Kaoud.

Like most car makers, Ford first makes a clay model of a vehicle and tests it in a wind tunnel. This helps the designers find out exactly how the car will fare in real life conditions.

“When you say a car has efficient looks, it means that there are no excess - like the rear wheels being placed in line with the body of the car - and that the designing incorporates wraparound corners,” he says.